A/N - Sorry for the delay, been really busy! Hope you enjoy it
Peace: Splinter
The process of recovery is long, and I can't help but finding it somewhat tedious. Fortunately, it is a process which will soon end for me and my family. Perhaps then our lives will return to what passes as normal for us.
Things have changed over the past month since the incident with Hun and the purple dragons. I was finally able to speak to Raphael and we have both worked hard on the issues in our relationship. It was rather uncomfortable at first, to admit my shortcomings to Raphael so directly. But it was so clear to me that I had failed him. Nothing has ever made me more afraid than when he attempted to leave me in April's apartment. I knew if he left I would not see him again, and the fact he tried to run showed me how our relationship had deteriorated. Still it hurts me to know he thought I would throw him out. Following the talk with Raphael, I spoke with his brother's. I have been unfair to all of them, including Leonardo. I taught my sons the opinion of one outweighed all others and was blind to how my treatment of them changed to reflect this.
Still, the conversations were particularly difficult. All of them tried to tell me it was not my fault and I had not failed them, but I must accept the truth even if they do not. The weeks following my injury were particularly long and filled with uncertainty as I tried to address the way I listen to the turtles. Thankfully, the incident with the purple dragons and what led to it had already made my sons aware of the issues in our home.
Leonardo has begun to see the value in his brother's input and it is making him a better leader than my ego building method ever would have. Donatello and Michelangelo have also started to contribute their ideas and opinions more readily.
Raphael, has changed. But not in the way I feared he would the night he apologised. Rather than extinguishing his fire he is once again attempting to focus it; a practice we both gave up on years ago. It has helped him considerably, and Leonardo's new approach to leadership seems to be helping his restless energy. I was particularly proud to overhear Leonardo ask Raphael for assistance in planning their patrol the other night.
Fortunately, I have recovered enough to be left alone in the lair; although April's apartment was nice, it is good to be home. It was difficult to convince my somewhat clingy turtles I would be ok, but they have started patrolling again over the past week and tonight they have an important mission.
The ache in my shoulder has dulled considerably, and with some physical therapy with Donatello I should regain full use of that arm. I was pleased to hear this, but more so for Raphael's benefit. Despite being told he was not at fault and all was forgiven, he has barely left my side since and I knew he was concerned the injury would have longer lasting effects.
Waiting for my sons to come home is always a time for some worry. Though, I believe the progress they have made as a team the past few weeks has made them stronger. I will always worry for them, but tonight I am confident they will succeed.
Settling down into meditation, I force the worry and regret from my mind. Things are improving. My family will be ok.